Describe the service before the price
Course overview · 4 min reading + 12 min practice, estimated
Principles and method
A proposal should state the client problem, intended outcomes, scope, deliverables and responsibilities. Distinguish market mapping, contingent search, retained search and supplying workers because they involve different work and obligations. Explain what is included and what is not. Avoid promising a hiring result that depends on client decisions and candidate choice. UK rules distinguish employment agencies from employment businesses; obtain appropriate advice for the actual model and jurisdiction. This course provides a commercial planning framework, not ready-to-use legal terms.
Worked example
A mapping proposal promises a defined research scope and decision brief. It does not imply a complete recruitment engagement, guaranteed candidate interest or employment-business services that the provider is not set up to deliver.
Put it into practice
Draft a proposal outline for a fictional specialist search with five deliverables and three exclusions.
Use fictional information and keep your work in your own notes.
Compare your approach: self-review guidance
Make the boundary clear enough to distinguish outputs from outcomes. Include client responsibilities and identify which legal or regulatory questions need professional review.
Sources and further reading
Original Academy teaching and fictional examples. These references provide context, not endorsement. Edition 2026.09; updated 2026-09-24.
- GOV.UK: Employment agencies and businesses
UK sector context. Distinguish introducing permanent staff from supplying workers.
- GOV.UK: Set up a business
UK starting point. Business structure and obligations depend on the circumstances.